Trivandrum, 18th December, 2004: The great religious and cultural heritage of India is the common heritage of all Indians and the Christian community of Kerla has been living all these centuries based on this great heritage, said Cyril Mar Baselius, Archbishop of Trivandrum and president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops'Council. He was releasing today at the Trivandrum Press Club Auditorium Prof. George Menachery's book of essays "GLIMPSES OF NAZRANEY HERITAGE", presenting the first copy to Sri. T. N. Jayachandran, former addl.Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, and Vice-Chancellor of the Calicut University. The Christian culture is in no way opposed to the Indian culture added Mar Baselius who was till recently also the chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).

The book by Prof. Menachery that deals with important matters of current and long term interest provokes thought, provides knowledge, and awakens experience, Mar Baselius said. The Christian faith did pave the way for lasting changes in society and culture, he pointed out.

These are times when religion and caste are emotionally being exploited, said T. N. Jayachandran. Why are the Kerala Christians of today reluctant to use the time honoured term 'Nazraney' although it is a most poetic, simple and sweet expression Jayachandran wanted to know.

Msgr. Dr. Bosco Puthur welcomed the gathering.Prof. Menachery is the One-Man-Army in the field of Christian cultural studies, Dr. Puthur said.

Prof. B. Hrudayakumari and Dr. George Onakkur spoke at length about Kerala culture and the Christian contribution to it and about Prof. Menachery's contributions in the field.

Dr. E. J. James introduced the book. Dr. George Chackassery proposed a vote of thanks.

Prof. George Menachery was born at Kattur on April 2, 1938. After teaching university classes for thirty years he gave up the job as Head of the Department of Post-Graduate Teaching in order to concentrate on research and publication. At present he spends some time every year as Professor of Christian Art at the Pontifical Institute, Alwaye. Menachery is the Editor of the St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India and the Indian Church History Classics.

SARAS (South Asia Research Assistance Services) provides information and research assistance for topics dealing with India in particular and South Asia in general. It provides information to research scholars and guides via E-Mail, Air Mail post and through his world wide Website.

Other Publication of Prof. Menachery through SARA are

1. INDIAN CHURCH HISTORY CLASSICS [3 Volumes]
2. THE ST. THOMAS CHRISTIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF INDIA
3. THOMAPEDIA

Connected with many institutions and organisations interested in the study of history and culture, he was executive member of the Kerala History Association (1975-90), Kerala Government Advisory Board of Archaeology (1975-82), University Senate, University Statutory Finance Committee, Kerala Sahitya Academy etc.

He was also the national vice-president of the Newman Association of India-Pax Romana [1964-72], founder director of the Institute for Lay Leadership Training [1967-1999], founder Director and Curator of the Christian Cultural Museum [from 1980], Member of the Arch-Diocesan Pastoral Council [from 1978], president of Kalasadan [1984-1992]

He has to his credit a large number of publications, research papers, articles, radio talks and TV programmes. His research activities and lectures have taken him to more than 20 countries in 4 continents. At present he is engrossed in the work of completing the Christian Encyclopedia, and the Church History Classics, and in setting up a comprehensive Indian Christian Museum.

Prof. George Menachery can be reached at:
EMail: kunjethy@yahoo.com
Web Site: indianchristianity.com